Shifter maintenance costs

Steve Clark · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2001 4:31 am Post subject: Shifter maintenance costs

I suppose if I have to ask then I can't afford it but here goes . . .I am looking for feedback on maintenance costs of running shifter. Any numbers I use would be in those small Canadian bucks.

I figure $1500 for regular engine maintenance and another $1500 for tires. I will be doing club racing only. Most clubs run Dunlop SL4 in Ontario. I would run the jet fat so I don't stick the motor too soon

I would use my Alfano to monitor water temp.

I have heard so many different stories about shifters. One guys says he is replacing third gear on a regular basis. Another says he has a piston tree at home built like a kid's mobile. Another says there is nothing to worry about as long as I run fat and my purpose is to go out and have fun (which it is)

I have tested a shifter twice now and all I want to do is lap at that speed and build up to a few races.

What should I be prepared to do for a season of club racing, say 12 races. How often would a piston and ring or third gear be changed. Given that I am a rookie and will make a few gear change errors

what would I be advised to do.

Thanks for any input. After those questions I now have to convince my wife that this will be the last racing venture and then I will retire.

Keith Archambeau · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2001 12:52 pm Post subject: Shifter maintenance costs

Entry fees, crashing & tires will be the biggest costs. Then as you go faster you will crash harder, use up tires more, And want more speed this is where the motor $come in. But really $3000.00 is very realistic. ( don't know about canada $ )Have fun! & Welcome

Mark Watkins · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 545

I think $3000 is a fair budget for a club racer. Shifters do require a lot of parts, but if one is constructed well, it should be as durable as a KT100 pipe kart.

Mark

David Tallant · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 35

I race a 125, and up keep is not that bad. It helps to have a brain. It sounds like you have that by being "safe" on your set up. I have raced my 125 for three years and as of today, have not stuck one piston yet. I have had no tranny problems. You will need tires, and SL4's are a poor choice.Slick, slick slick. Pound for pound the the wildest ride for dollar spent.
The 80s are a little different. The term time bomb comes to mind.
In a world of things that are true. Any thing that poops fast, dosen't poop long.

Jimmy Lo · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 44 Location: Canada,

Steve,

I start racing a 125 this year at Innisful Kart Club and the expense is actually lower than I expected. Several points:

1. Most clubs around here runs open tires for 125 shifters and Mosport runs Bridgestone YGBs, so you will not be running SL4.

2. Tires is the largest expense and that depends on which track you run. Some tracks are abrasive and you have use up a set of tires in one race day. Other tracks are smoother and you can run the same set for at less 3 or 4 race days.

3. I run a more or less stock CR125 and I change ring every 3 or 4 races. I just put in a new piston since the beginning of the season (7 race days and 7 practices). The old piston still look good and my motor builder said it can still be used as a spare. I expect this expense to go up with a full built motor. As for the third gear, it is probably the most used gear, but I have yet to have any problem with it.

4. I would suggest a good motor builder or a good dealer. They can help you with setting up the motor. Those 2 cycle motor can be tricky to use.

5. Not all the clubs run shifters around here. I notice your are from London. Which clubs do you plan to go to? BTW, there is no 80cc senior class here I am aware of.

6. You motor and tires budgets are very reasonable for a rookie with a stock motor. There are other expensess: like fuels, oil, cleaner, entry fee, etc. They are not significant individually, but they add up.

7. Some of those expense you heard are from a National level program and does not necessary reflect the reality at the club level.

I am happy to talk to you if you have any more questions. Email me your phone number.

Regards,

Jimmy Lo

John Neilson · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2001 6:21 am Post subject: Shifter maintenance costs

Steve,
You didn't mention which motor you are intending to run.
Some require 3rd gear to be replaced. This can be remedied with an aftermarket gear if rules allow.
Pistons and rings, yes, don't forget gaskets too.
If you are even the slightest bit type "A" personality, you will jet the motor leaner.
Personal experience, after first practice with another class competitor.
$3000, possible, I would bump it 50%, and take the wife to a nice dinner when you race out of town.

[ July 20, 2001: Message edited by: John Neilson ]

Steve Clark · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2001 3:19 am Post subject: Shifter maintenance costs

Thanks for the answers. I will be running a Birel chassis with a 125 TM. The TM is not box stock so a bit more than I need but what the heck

The motor will have a new piston and ring. Can't wait for next week.

My wife thinks I am crazy but agrees that we don't want to get 10 years down the road and wish I had done it. I will certainly keep the dinner thing in mind.